NBL Division Two Ipswich 166 Northamptonshire Titans 51 Ipswich Basketball Club’s Senior Women started 2018 in style with a massive win against the Northamptonshire Titans, writes William Russell.
The Ipswich offence looked like a well-oiled machine, with all 12 players getting on the score sheet and multiple players putting up stat-lines that you only usually see in video games!
Ipswich scored a phenomenal 40 points in the first quarter, opening up a 24-point lead in just ten minutes of play, leading 40-16 after the first period.
They then scored an absurd 55 points in the second quarter, taking their lead to 95-30 at the break.
In the second half things didn’t get much better for the visitors, who, to their credit, continued to battle and fight on every possession.
The Ipswich onslaught at both ends of the court enabled the team to stretch their lead to 125-40 after three quarters.
The fourth period was much of the same. Ipswich handed extended playing time to several of the team’s younger players as Nicole Aston, Ella Pearson and Cameron Taylor-Willis, who are all just 15-years-old, played minutes and recorded baskets as the lead continued to grow.
Ipswich were led by 41 points from Dannielle Cazey, while Harriet Welham added 35 and Maya Price 32.
Ashleigh Pink added 6 points, 17 assists and 15 rebounds while Esther Little had 18 points, 17 rebounds, 12 assists and eight steals. Jessica Baker also had the hot hand, connected on five long range efforts for 15 points.
Ipswich now sit top of the league with a perfect 5-0 record. They have also reached the National Cup Final, against the Essex Blades on January 21 as they chase what would be a remarkable unbeaten season.
Coach Nick Drane said: “We are trying to do something unheard of this season, and in order to do that we have to play hard every game, no matter the circumstances, with a bit of a chip on our shoulder.”
Ipswich are at home again this week when they face a Worcester Wolves team eager to avenge a 21 point loss to the Suffolk side in the opening game of the season.
For tickets to the cup final, visit www.basketballengland.co.uk
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